City of Covington Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’re reading this in City of Covington, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and create a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured. We understand. We’re here to help families in City of Covington and across America fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and devastate our children.

We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation you might be feeling. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare to send their child off to college, trusting that institution to keep them safe, only to discover that they’ve been subjected to horrific abuse. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. And we are here to help you get justice for your child and ensure that no other family in City of Covington has to endure this nightmare.

The Haunting Echoes of Modern Hazing: A Warning for City of Covington Families

What many families in City of Covington might imagine as innocent pranks or harmless initiation rituals has devolved into something far more sinister. Modern hazing involves systematic torture, psychological abuse, and life-threatening physical assaults. It leaves victims with lasting physical and psychological scars, and in far too many cases, it leads to death.

Just recently, in November 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit that starkly illustrates the brutal reality of hazing today. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court, is not just another legal filing. It is a live battle against a culture of abuse, and it serves as a powerful warning to parents everywhere, including those right here in City of Covington.

Leonel Bermudez was an eager young man, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the upcoming semester. He wasn’t even an enrolled student yet. He simply wanted to be part of something, to make connections as he started his college journey. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse that landed him in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We are actively fighting this case right now. It is the centerpiece of everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries. The same fight we’re bringing to Houston, we are prepared to bring to City of Covington to protect your children. Whether your child attends a university in Virginia, or one of the many institutions across the nation, the threat of hazing is real, and the fraternities and universities often remain the same.

The Terrifying Truth: What Leonel Bermudez Endured

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not just allegations; they are a chilling testament to the depravity that can exist within Greek life. As reported by ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, and the Houston Chronicle, among others, Leonel was subjected to horrific acts, not by strangers, but by those he sought to call brothers.

Imagine your child experiencing this:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Not in some far-off war zone, but on a college campus. Leonel was repeatedly sprayed with a hose in his face, simulating drowning, a widely recognized form of torture. This wasn’t a prank; it was an act of terror. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Hog-Tied and Humiliated: In one particularly disturbing incident on October 13, 2025, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t just physical restraint; it was extreme humiliation and psychological torment.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue physically exerting himself while lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. This goes beyond cruel; it’s a deliberate act designed to degrade and sicken.
• Physical Exertion to the Point of Organ Failure: He was forced into grueling workouts, including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to perform these exercises while reciting the fraternity creed, under threat of immediate expulsion. This relentless physical punishment didn’t just exhaust him; it broke his body down to the point of severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Our client could not stand without help, and his muscles were literally dissolving, releasing toxins that poisoned his bloodstream.
• Striking with Wooden Paddles: The Houston Chronicle reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.” This is outright physical assault, not a harmless rite of passage.
• Psychological Torture and Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a constant source of humiliation. The late-night and early-morning driving of fraternity members contributed to extreme sleep deprivation, further weakening his resistance.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13 the heartbreaking reality of Leonel’s condition: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical care for what could become permanent kidney damage. His urine turned brown from the muscle breakdown, a clear sign of his body’s severe distress. He still faces the risk of chronic kidney disease or even the need for dialysis or a transplant. And all of this happened to someone not even officially a student at the university yet.

The Institutional Cover-Up and Lack of Remorse

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the chapter. On November 14, 2025, just a week before our lawsuit was filed, they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. This swift action, as detailed on their own website, demonstrates a clear consciousness of guilt. They knew what was coming.

Yet, their public statement contained this chilling line: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.” Even with a student fighting for his life due to their chapter’s actions, their focus was on their own comeback, not on true accountability or preventing future harm.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” even mentioning “potential criminal charges.” While reassuring in tone, it hints at the university’s failure to prevent such actions, despite owning the very fraternity house where some of the hazing occurred.

For families in City of Covington, this case underscores a critical truth: these incidents are not isolated mistakes by a few bad actors. They are often the result of systemic failures by organizations that value reputation and “tradition” over the safety and well-being of young people. That’s why we don’t just sue the individuals; we go after the national organizations, the universities, and every single entity that enabled the abuse.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes for City of Covington Parents

When families in City of Covington hear the word “hazing,” they might think of silly antics or mild inconveniences, perhaps drawn from movies or outdated notions of college life. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far more brutal and systematic. This is not “boys being boys” or innocent rituals; this is assault, battery, torture, emotional degradation, and in many heartbreaking instances, manslaughter or murder.

We want City of Covington parents to understand the true nature of hazing today, because understanding is the first step toward protection and accountability.

Categories of Modern Hazing:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond a slap on the back. It includes beatings, paddling, branding, extreme forced exercises to the point of collapse or injury (like Leonel’s 500 squats that led to organ failure), exposure to harsh elements, and even simulated drowning or waterboarding techniques.
• Forced Consumption: Often involves excessive alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning, a leading cause of hazing deaths. But it also includes forced eating of sickening amounts of food until vomiting, or even non-food substances.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days on end, forced to perform tasks at all hours, leading to severe exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability to other forms of abuse.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This is designed to break down a person’s dignity and self-worth. It includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, forced public nudity, sexual humiliation (like being forced to carry objects of a sexual nature), and being ordered to perform degrading acts. These can leave deep, lasting psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sexual Abuse: Unfortunately, some hazing rituals cross the line into sexual assault, forced sexual acts, or extreme sexual humiliation, which are criminal offenses with devastating impacts.
• Servitude: Pledges are treated as servants, forced to clean, run errands, complete assignments for active members, or drive them around at all hours, further contributing to their exhaustion and dehumanization.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences:

The consequences of hazing are not trivial. As in Leonel’s case, victims can suffer:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly resulting from extreme physical exertion, leading to muscle breakdown and organ damage.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A common and often fatal outcome of forced drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From falls, beatings, or assaults.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Due to exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From overexertion or extreme stress.
• Lasting Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Leonel himself is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a clear indicator of the lasting psychological toll.
• Death: The ultimate, tragic consequence, which occurs far too frequently.

For City of Covington parents, it’s vital to recognize that this isn’t just a distant problem. National fraternities and sororities, including Pi Kappa Phi, have chapters at universities throughout Virginia and across the country. The same dangerous “traditions” and cultures exist wherever these organizations operate. Whether your child attends Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, or a smaller regional college nearby, they are exposed to these same risks.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Guilty Party Accountable for Hazing in City of Covington

When a child in City of Covington is injured or killed by hazing, the immediate blame falls on the individuals who perpetrated the abuse. But in our experience, the responsibility stretches much further, encompassing a web of individuals and institutions that enable, overlook, or actively cover up these barbaric practices. At Attorney911, we are committed to identifying and suing every single party that bears legal responsibility. We leave no stone unturned, because true justice demands full accountability.

Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates the comprehensive approach we take. We are pursuing damages from:

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter and Its Leadership: These are the direct perpetrators. The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston directly organized and carried out the hazing. The chapter president, pledgemaster, and other active members were directly involved in orchestrating and executing the abuse. They are often the ones forcing pledges to engage in dangerous activities, enforcing the humiliation, and threatening retaliation for non-compliance. Their direct actions led to Leonel’s hospitalization.
2. Individual Fraternity Members: Every member who actively participated in, encouraged, or stood by and watched the hazing without intervening can be held personally liable. This includes those who gave Leonel the wooden paddles, sprayed him with the hose, or forced him to consume substances until he vomited. As our case shows, even former members who hosted hazing activities at their private residences can be named as defendants. In Leonel’s case, we’ve even named the spouse of a former member who allegedly allowed hazing at their home, expanding premises liability.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: This is where the real power and deep pockets lie. National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, which boasts “more than 150 campuses across America,” have a direct responsibility to oversee their chapters. They establish rules, conduct training, and often have anti-hazing policies, yet they consistently fail to enforce them. Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is not speculation; it is a critical allegation establishing systemic negligence. The fact that Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 underscores that the national organization had ample warning and failed to act, making Leonel’s injuries entirely foreseeable.
4. The University or College: Educational institutions have a paramount duty to protect their students. They control Greek life, approve chapters, and often own or lease the houses where hazing occurs. When they turn a blind eye to obvious risks, they become complicit. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a key defendant because it owned the very fraternity house where some of the most heinous hazing activities took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and intervene, but they failed. Their negligence is further established by the fact that the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving a different fraternity, proving they had actual knowledge of hazing dangers on their campus and failed to implement effective safeguards. Whether your child attends Old Dominion University, Radford University, Christopher Newport University, or another institution, that university bears a similar responsibility.
5. Fraternity/Sorority Housing Corporations: These entities often own the physical fraternity or sorority houses and collect rent. They have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the premises. In our lawsuit, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is named, highlighting their role in maintaining a property where hazing was rampant.
6. Insurance Carriers: Perhaps the most crucial targets in securing significant compensation are the insurance providers for all liable parties. National fraternities and universities carry substantial liability insurance policies precisely for situations like hazing. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate. They know their valuation methods, their negotiation tactics, and the levers to pull to ensure maximum recovery for our clients. Lupe Peña’s experience with a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, is particularly advantageous, as he literally “knows their playbook” from the inside.

It’s Not Just “Broke College Kids”

When we pursue these cases, we want City of Covington families to understand that we are not simply targeting college students who might have limited financial resources. While individual perpetrators can be held personally liable (as seen in the $6.5 million judgment against a single fraternity president in the Stone Foltz case), our primary focus is on securing compensation from the “deep pockets”: the national organizations with their multi-million dollar endowments and comprehensive insurance policies, and the universities with their substantial budgets and institutional insurance.

This comprehensive approach ensures that those ultimately responsible are held accountable, and that victims and their families receive the full compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost educational opportunities, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. For families in City of Covington, trust that we have the expertise and the resources to pursue every liable entity, no matter how powerful they may seem.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for City of Covington Hazing Victims

For City of Covington families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is whether justice is truly attainable. The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Hazing cases, when aggressively litigated by experienced attorneys, regularly result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These are not just numbers; they represent comprehensive recoveries for victims and their families, and they send powerful messages that drive institutional change and, most importantly, save lives.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is directly in line with successful precedents set by other hazing victims across the country. These cases prove that holding institutions accountable is not only possible but is essential.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: The Cost of Hazing

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 MILLION+

   • What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual and died from alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: His family received over $10.1 million in settlements, with $2.9 million coming from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. This case also led to multiple criminal convictions and the permanent expulsion of the fraternity.
   • Relevance for City of Covington: This case directly supports our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez. It shows that universities and national fraternities both pay substantial amounts, even for non-fatal injuries like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, which can have lifelong consequences. The fact that a single chapter president was personally hit with a $6.5 million judgment in December 2024 further underscores individual liability.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT

   • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC of 0.495) after being forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol during a hazing ritual called “Bible Study.” Wrong answers meant more drinking.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This tragic case also resulted in criminal convictions for negligent homicide and prompted Louisiana to pass the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.
   • Relevance for City of Covington: This jury verdict proves that twelve ordinary citizens understand the severity of hazing and are willing to award millions to victims. It highlights the potential for significant compensation even when defendants resist settlement.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ MILLION (Estimated)

   • What Happened: Timothy Piazza, 19, died from a traumatic brain injury and abdominal hemorrhage after falling down stairs repeatedly while intoxicated during a brutal “gauntlet” drinking ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras.
   • The Outcome: While the exact settlement amount is confidential, it is estimated to be over $110 million. The case led to 18 criminal charges against fraternity members, multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter, and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
   • Relevance for City of Covington: This case sets the benchmark for institutional liability and the potential for astronomical damages when evidence is undeniable and the conduct is grossly negligent, or, in our case, torturous.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)

   • What Happened: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family also reached a civil settlement.
   • Relevance for City of Covington: This is the SAME national fraternity as our Leonel Bermudez case. Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice in 2017 that their chapters engaged in deadly hazing. They had eight years to fix it. Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later is proof that they failed, establishing a clear pattern of negligence and foreseeability that strengthens our punitive damages claims.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 MILLION+ Settlement

   • What Happened: Adam Oakes, a freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking during a Delta Chi bid initiation.
   • The Outcome: His family reached a $4 million+ settlement and pushed for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring hazing prevention training and reporting.
   • Relevance for City of Covington: This demonstrates the impact these cases have even within Virginia, influencing state law and university policies.

The Message to Universities and Fraternities in Virginia

These precedents send an unmistakable message to every university and fraternity chapter near City of Covington: hazing costs millions. The same legal strategies, the same theories of liability, and the same aggressive pursuit of justice that secured these multi-million dollar outcomes now apply to your campus. Whether your child attends a university with chapters of Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Chi, or even the egregious Pi Kappa Phi, these national organizations have already seen the financial consequences of their negligence.

Families in City of Covington and across America deserve to know that when their child is brutalized or killed by hazing, there is a legal pathway to accountability and significant financial recovery. These high-value cases not only compensate the victims but also serve as a powerful deterrent, forcing institutions to finally address their dangerous cultures.

Texas Law Protects You: Your Rights as a City of Covington Hazing Victim

While our firm is headquartered in Texas, the core legal principles that underpin hazing lawsuits are universally recognized across the United States. Furthermore, many states, including Texas, have specific anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Understanding these laws is crucial for any City of Covington family seeking justice.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Legal Foundation

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151 through 37.157, provides a robust framework for defining hazing, assigning criminal penalties, and establishing organizational liability.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with… if the act:

  • is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
  • involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
  • involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
  • is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code;
  • involves coercing… the student to consume… an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated…”

  Relevance for Leonel Bermudez and City of Covington: Leonel’s experience at the University of Houston violated multiple of these statutory definitions. The wooden paddles, the intense calisthenics leading to organ failure, the forced eating until vomiting, the exposure to cold while being sprayed with a hose, and the sleep deprivation all fall squarely within this definition. While Virginia’s specific laws may vary, the general definition of hazing as an act endangering mental or physical health for membership purposes is common, indicating that similar conduct in City of Covington would likely constitute hazing under Virginia law as well.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is not just a university policy violation; it’s a crime.

  • Engaging in hazing or failing to report it is a Class B Misdemeanor.
  • Hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s kidney failure) is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
  • Hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony, with penalties of 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
  • Relevance for City of Covington: The fact that the University of Houston spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges” highlights the serious criminal aspect of hazing. For individual perpetrators of hazing at a university near City of Covington, criminal charges are a very real possibility, independent of any civil lawsuit.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be held directly responsible. A fraternity or sorority commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members or alumni commit hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus.

  • Relevance for City of Covington: This provision is crucial for holding local chapters and national organizations liable, as they enable and perpetuate the hazing culture.

• CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal point for City of Covington hazing victims. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

  • Why this matters: Fraternities and universities consistently argue that victims chose to participate, or “consented” to the activities. Texas law (and similar laws in other states) unequivocally rejects this argument. You cannot legally consent to being tortured, assaulted, or having your life endangered. The power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion inherent in hazing negate true consent.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued locally in City of Covington, hazing victims and their families have powerful civil legal avenues to seek justice and compensation. These civil claims are typically filed against all responsible parties: the individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university.

1. Negligence Claims: This fundamental legal theory asserts that the defendants owed a “duty of care” to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., hazing, failing to supervise, ignoring warning signs), and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages. This applies to fraternities, national organizations, and universities in City of Covington and across the country.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in our Leonel Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), the institution can be held liable for maintaining a dangerous condition on its premises. This is a powerful tool for holding universities directly accountable.
3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to properly supervise their affiliated chapters and ensure a safe environment. When they fail to do so, allowing hazing to flourish, they can be sued for negligent supervision.
4. Assault and Battery: Any instance of physical contact that is harmful or offensive, such as paddling, forced hitting, or waterboarding, constitutes civil assault and battery. Each individual perpetrator can be sued for their direct actions.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Acts so “extreme and outrageous” that they cause “severe emotional distress” can give rise to this claim. The systematic psychological torment and humiliation common in hazing often meet this high legal bar.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families in City of Covington can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their profound losses, including emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial damages.

For families in City of Covington, it’s essential to understand that these legal mechanisms are robust and designed to protect victims. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue these claims against national fraternities no matter where they are headquartered or where the incident occurred. Your location in City of Covington does not diminish your rights or our ability to fight for them.

Why Attorney911: Your Trusted Legal Emergency Lawyers for Hazing Victims in City of Covington

When your child is harmed by hazing, you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. You need a legal team that understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation, knows how the opposition thinks, and has a proven track record of securing justice. For families in City of Covington facing this nightmare, Attorney911 offers unparalleled expertise, compassionate advocacy, and a relentless commitment to accountability.

We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When a hazing emergency hits, we move first, fast, and decisively.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantages for City of Covington Families:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: This isn’t theoretical. We are immersed in the fight right now, actively litigating Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, et al. against the national fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals. This means we are up-to-date on the latest tactics, defenses, and legal strategies employed by these powerful institutions. City of Covington families benefit directly from our ongoing, real-world experience.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This is a critical advantage.
   • Ralph Manginello, our managing partner with over 25 years of courtroom experience, knows the defense playbook inside out. He understands how insurance companies evaluate claims, what motivates them, and how they attempt to minimize payouts.
   • Lupe Peña, an associate attorney with 12+ years of experience, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. He defended against various claims, gaining firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies strategize, value claims, and attempt to deny or delay payouts. Lupe has literally seen their playbooks, and now he uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. For City of Covington families, this means we anticipate the opposition’s moves and build stronger, more compelling cases.
3. Federal Court Admissions: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph’s experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, means we have the authority and expertise to pursue cases in federal courts. Many national fraternities operate across state lines, making federal jurisdiction a strategic advantage when representing hazing victims from City of Covington.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York): Ralph’s dual licenses are a strategic asset. National fraternities often have headquarters or significant operations in states like New York. This dual qualification provides us with a broader legal reach and a strategic advantage when confronting national organizations, regardless of their physical location or that of the university your child attends.
5. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion Litigation (which killed 15 and injured over 180) demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against the largest corporate defendants. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases against multi-million dollar national fraternities and large universities.
6. Hazing-Specific Expertise: We have direct experience representing hazing victims, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis injuries (like Leonel’s), Kappa Sigma fraternity, and Texas A&M University hazing incidents. This focused knowledge is invaluable.
7. No Upfront Fees – Contingency Basis: We understand that facing a legal battle after a hazing tragedy can be financially daunting for City of Covington families. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
   • You pay us $0 upfront.
   • We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.
   • This aligns our interests completely with yours and removes the financial barrier to justice, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery.
8. “Se Habla Español” – Bilingual Legal Services: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that language is never a barrier to justice. We proudly serve Spanish-speaking families in City of Covington and across America, providing consultations and ongoing communication in their native language.
9. Compassionate, Parent-Facing Approach: We are not cold, clinical, or filled with legal jargon. We understand the trauma you are experiencing. Our communication is empathetic, warm, and clear, guiding you through every step of the process. As one client testimonial states, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
10. Willingness to Travel and Remote Consultations: While headquartered in Houston, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including those in City of Covington. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for convenience and will travel to City of Covington for depositions, key meetings, and trials when necessary.
11. Client Endorsements and Reputation: With a 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews, our clients consistently praise our communication, aggressiveness, and commitment to securing maximum settlements. Testimonials like “Ralph didn’t have me driving out to court just to reschedule it like my last lawyer did. He saved me a lot of time, money, and very prompt on answering any and all questions I had. Case dismissed.” (Kristyn Hinchliffe) and “This firm took the case that needed rescuing. Did not know what to do and gratefully they accepted the case. With hard work and dedication we prevailed.” (Georgia Jackson) speak volumes about our dedication and results.

Ralph Manginello: A Champion for the Injured

Ralph’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach gives him a unique understanding of group dynamics, peer pressure, and the environments where hazing often occurs. As a father of three, he deeply appreciates the immense trust parents place in universities and the devastating impact when that trust is betrayed. His journalism background also means he is trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories – essential skills for exposing what institutions want to hide in hazing cases. Find out more about Ralph at attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

Lupe Peña: The Insider Who Knows Their Playbook

Lupe Peña’s experience working for a national insurance defense firm is a game-changer. He learned firsthand the tactics, strategies, and internal valuing processes used by the very entities we now sue. This prior knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, counter their arguments, and build cases significantly more likely to succeed. He knows how to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.” Learn more about Lupe at attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form a powerhouse legal team uniquely equipped to represent hazing victims in City of Covington and across the country. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now, securing justice and driving accountability.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Covington Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in City of Covington has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Confusion, fear, and a sense of helplessness are natural, but swift and decisive action can profoundly impact the success of a potential legal claim. We urge you to follow these steps carefully to protect your child’s rights and build a strong case for justice.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your Child’s Health First

• Hospitalization and Emergency Care: If your child suffered serious injuries, like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, ensure they receive immediate emergency medical care. Do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital in City of Covington or the surrounding area.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Every medical visit, diagnosis, treatment, and medication must be thoroughly documented. This creates an indisputable record of the injuries directly caused by the hazing. Even if injuries seem minor at first, get them checked. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may have delayed symptoms. As Attorney Manginello emphasizes in our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical,” delays will be used by the defense to argue your child wasn’t truly hurt.
• Psychological Evaluation: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek professional counseling or therapy for your child. Documentation of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress is crucial for non-economic damages.

2. Preserve All Evidence: “Document Everything!”

This is perhaps the single most important step. As Ralph Manginello states in our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, you should “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), imaging scans, and therapy session records.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear photos of any bruises, cuts, burns, or other visible injuries at every stage of healing, from immediately after the incident through recovery.
  • Hazing Locations: Photograph the fraternity house, dorm room, off-campus residence, park, or any other location where hazing occurred.
  • Evidence of Hazing: If possible and safe, photograph any items used in the hazing (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers, fanny packs, specific clothing).
• Digital Communications:
  • Screenshot EVERYTHING: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram direct messages, Facebook posts, emails, and any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. This includes conversations between pledges, active members, or even university officials. Do not delete anything.
  • Social Media Warnings: Adhere to the advice in our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.” Do NOT delete any social media accounts, but also do NOT post about the hazing incident online. Anything your child posts can be twisted and used against them by the defense.
• Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the hazing or any related events, including other pledges, active members, bystanders, or even residents of the City of Covington community.
• Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “expectations” documents, or emails/letters from the fraternity/sorority or university.
• Financial Records: Retain records of all medical bills, pharmacy receipts, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work), forfeited tuition or fees, and any other financial losses incurred due to the hazing.
• Academic Records: Gather report cards, enrollment documents, or any other records reflecting the impact of the hazing on your child’s academic performance or enrollment status.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions

• Avoid Contact: Instruct your child (and yourself) not to speak with any fraternity/sorority members, alumni, chapter advisors, university officials, or their attorneys about the incident. They are not on your side and any statements your child makes can be used against them.
• Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or statements provided by the fraternity, national organization, or university without first consulting with our attorneys. You could unwittingly waive your legal rights.
• Decline Recorded Statements: If any insurance company or university asks for a recorded statement, politely decline and state that you will only communicate through your attorney. As our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” warns, adjusters are trained to minimize your claim.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately: Time is Critical

• Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: Do not delay. The moment you suspect hazing has occurred, especially if there are injuries, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7.
• Statute of Limitations: Most states, including our home state of Texas, have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you typically have only two years from the date of the injury or death to file a lawsuit, or you lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears quickly, memories fade, and defendants have more time to strategize if you delay. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” explains this urgency.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial consultation with us is free and completely confidential. We will review your child’s situation, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions without any obligation.
• Nationwide Reach: Though our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve City of Covington families and hazing victims nationwide. We can conduct video consultations, will travel to Virginia for depositions or trials when needed, and have federal court authority to pursue your case.

5. Consider Reporting the Hazing

• University Administration: You may choose to report the hazing to university administration. Be aware that universities primarily aim to protect their reputation; however, their own investigations can sometimes uncover evidence useful for your civil suit.
• Law Enforcement: Hazing is a crime. Reporting it to Virginia law enforcement in City of Covington or the relevant jurisdiction can lead to a criminal investigation, which may run parallel to your civil case. The University of Houston spokesperson themselves mentioned “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.

By taking these immediate and proactive steps, you significantly strengthen your child’s legal position and empower us to fight for the justice and compensation they deserve. We stand ready to be your tireless advocates.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for City of Covington Hazing Victims

If you or your child in City of Covington, Virginia, has been a victim of hazing, the trauma can feel isolating and overwhelming. But you are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by yourselves. We are Attorney911, and we are here to be your unwavering advocates, your champions for justice against the institutions and individuals who have caused irreversible harm. We are actively fighting this fight right now – for Leonel Bermudez in Houston, and we will bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims in City of Covington.

What happened to your child was not a harmless prank. It was abuse. It was a betrayal of trust. And it carries severe legal ramifications that we are prepared to enforce on your behalf.

Your Immediate Call to Action:

📞 Call Our Hazing Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: Your legal emergency can’t wait. Our hotline is staffed around the clock to provide immediate assistance.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: During this initial call, we will listen to your story with empathy and understanding. We will assess the details of your case, answer your pressing questions, and outline your legal options without any cost or obligation to you.
• No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront for our legal services. We only get paid if we win your case – if you receive compensation, we receive a percentage of that recovery. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to every family, regardless of financial circumstances.

Connect With Us Directly:

• Email: For immediate email communication, reach out to Ralph Manginello directly at: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: Explore our firm’s capabilities and learn more about our commitment to justice at: attorney911.com

We Are Here for City of Covington Families, Wherever You Are:

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are equipped to represent victims in City of Covington, Virginia, and across the United States.

• Remote Consultations: We offer flexible video consultations, allowing you to connect with our legal team from the comfort and privacy of your home in City of Covington.
• Nationwide Authority: Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide us with the legal standing to pursue cases against national fraternities, universities, and other liable entities, regardless of their location or yours.
• We Travel to You: When necessary for depositions, critical meetings, or court proceedings, our attorneys are prepared to travel to City of Covington to advocate for your child. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

If You Were a Victim of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

To any other individuals who were subjected to the horrific hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, we know you are out there. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse, and humiliation.

Lupe Peña’s words to ABC13 resonate deeply: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

If you suffered similar abuse, your experiences are vital. You have rights too, and we can represent you. Please reach out to us. Together, we can strengthen the case against these institutions and ensure that such devastating acts are never repeated.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let Attorney911 be your first responders against hazing. We are ready to fight for you.